THROUGH THE EYES OF LABU RAHMAN

An eminent guitarist of the ground-breaking band Feedback, a successful instructor and a television personality of Bangladesh, Labu Rahman has an amazing personality which can easily baffle anyone. Many of today's rockstars are his students. He started playing guitar in 1974 and formed his first band “Ananda” in 1975.A milestone in his music career came when he played guitar with the great Guru Azam Khan in 1977-78. He played guitar in the rock band “Uchcharan” for two years. Since 1979, he started playing as a session musician with all the renowned music directors of Bangladesh. In 1980, he played guitar in the band “Symphony” with Milton Akbar, Romel and Zahid Hossain. 'Moushumi', 'Mela', 'Majhi' and 'Chithi' are some of the most remarkable songs of his band.He gave his voice in many songs such as Firey Esho, Shukhi Manusher Bhire, Chhotto Pakhi and Bidrohi. Recently, he sang two popular songs Din Jay Din Chole Jay and Keno Khulecho Tomar Janala in many stage shows. He traveled many countries around the world and achieved prestigious awards including the “Jai Jai Din Award” for Excellence in Music. He will be admired forever for his memorable contributions in the music industry of Bangladesh.

My earliest inspiration was the stunning guitarist Fazle Rob, who had been playing in the band called The Windy Side of Care. He is the reason why I have chosen fender guitar as my lifetime companion. Also, Spondon, Uchcharan and some other prominent bands inspired me to get into music. I was quite familiar with guitar since 1968-69 as my brother and sister used to play guitar. With interest, I observed the music scenario since 1972. That time, Azam Khan, Firoz Shai, Ferdous Wahid, Lucky Akhand and Happy Akhand motivated me a lot. Additionally, Sheikh Sadi Khan, Shotto Shaha, Samar Das and Alauddin Ali became my inspirations. My friends, audiences and well-wishers are also my inspirations.

PHILOSOPHY

I think nothing is more precious than music. Therefore, my philosophy is to love and culture music. I have deeply observed that a student can concentrate more on his studies if he practices music. Because music not only refreshes the mind, it also fulfils the thirst of the soul. Music has reframed my life by giving a new dimension in which I can find an inner peace.

VIEWS ON HIS PROFESSION

Music is something divine in which I found the meaning of life. My everlasting thirst for music never makes me tired. I would like to say, “You can wash your soul with music.” It means all the negativities of life can be washed away through music. It is an unassailable fact that every artwork comes from passion. Though it is true that everyone needs some financial backup for livelihood, musicians should not rush into money or fame. If someone has talent, the audience will automatically find him. One must learn some basic skills and knowledge about music to become a sustainable musician. And for this, taking proper lessons from a proper instructor is mandatory. There is no alternative to constant practice. Many of the musicians from the young generation are really talented and I appreciate their effort and dedication to this craft.

MUSIC

I have enjoyed a lot of songs of various genres in my life; but I mostly prefer soft rock music. Some of my most favorite bands are Carpenters, ABBA, Eagles, Pink Floyd, Bread, America, Police, Deep Purple and Rainbow. Additionally, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, SRV, Elvis Presley, Avril Lavigne, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley and John Denver are some of my most favorite singers.

TV SERIALS

I love to watch TV serials. The Big Bang Theory is one of my most favorite TV serials. Homeland and Breathe are my favorites too.

BOOKS

I have read a large number of books in my life. Among those, the books of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, Jawharlal Nehru, Sunil Gangopadhyay, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Anna Karenina are my favorites.

FUTURE PLANS

I have no specific future plan. I want to enjoy my life to the fullest. Hence, playing guitar and listening to various kinds of music are all about my musical life. It is one of my agendas to leave some songs of good quality for the future generations. I would love to continue my journey with music. I also want people listen to various kinds of songs after buying those and it should be practiced in our country so that the artistes can be motivated to contribute more.

IDOL

I greatly admire the fabled guitarist Fazle Rob who has left a deep impression on me. Also, Eric Clapton is the hero of my life. Additionally, my beloved mother and my brother Dr Shahjahan are my idols.

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